Obituary of Elizabeth W. Williamson

Elizabeth (Bessie) Wright Williamson passed away peacefully, with family at her side, on December 1, 2008 at the age of 94 years. Bessie was born on December 12, 1913 in the family’s farmhouse on the homestead quarter-section northeast of Druid, SK. Her life is significantly marked by her caring for others, her giving spirit, keen mind and sense of humour. From an early age, when her mother suffered a debilitating illness, Bessie was the glue that held her family together, as often mother to her three younger brothers, housekeeper and companion for her mother and father and cook for the annual threshing crew. This gift of putting others first, manifested itself throughout Bessie’s life, as she continuously sought out opportunities to help and comfort those in need. Bessie graduated normal school as a teacher, but never had an opportunity to pursue this career outside of her family. However, her sons, and later her several nieces, nephews and grandchildren learned many of life’s more important lessons from mom, and then Grandma Bessie. Bessie was a gifted athlete, excelling at tennis and golf, in a period when few women played such sports. She greatly enjoyed the spirited rivalry of games of any type and loved to laugh, particularly at herself. Her evident mental abilities were exercised through reading, the ever-present crossword puzzles, bridge and engaging conversation. She was a voracious reader and her considerable skills as a bridge player were seldom matched, even in the retelling. Much of Bessie’s life was centered on her immediate and extended family, her many friends and her church. She cheerfully devoted numerous hours to the church guild, skilfully knitting or crocheting countless articles for rummage sales, serving in the alter guild, visiting the sick and confined and running the canteen at the hospital. Bessie felt most fulfilled when she was helping others achieve their potential. She truly understood that in giving to others one is the recipient of the most precious gift of all. Bessie’s life is fondly remembered and celebrated by her sons, John and Hugh, both of Calgary, Hugh’s wife, Kerry and Bessie’s grandsons, Scott, Bradley, Derek, Shaun and great grandson Jacob. She will be missed by her two surviving brothers, Hugh Bevan and family of Brooks, AB and Art Bevan and family of Saskatoon, SK and their numerous children and grandchildren. Bessie was predeceased by her husband John (Jack) Williamson on December 25, 1968 and her brother, Rees Bevan. A Private Family Service will be held in Calgary with a Celebration of Bessie’s Life to be held at St. Alban’s Anglican Church (240 1st Street West)Brooks, Alberta on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com or to the Bethany Care Foundation, #1001 – 17th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2E5 Telephone: (403) 210-4600, email: bcf@bethanycare.com . A special thank you to Rosemary Opperman and Margaret Redmond, Bessie’s wonderful caregivers, and to all of the staff on the 7th floor of the Bethany Care Centre, who took such special care of Bessie on what was undoubtedly a difficult journey in the later years. You are gifted and caring people from whom we have all learned and benefited. In living memory of Elizabeth Williamson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.